But Durie Hill School principal Geoff Simes denied accusations that the whiteboard markers were for the teachers as they have their own supply that was purchased by the school.
"Children now are not only using the conventional pen and paper, but are now regularly completing tasks on mini whiteboards. The students use whiteboard markers just as they would a pencil or pen."
Carlton School principal Gay O'Connor said she was aware there had been some speculation over schools making a profit from selling stationery and wanted to set the record straight.
"I will be honest, a lot of our parents opt to buy stationery packs from us because it's more convenient. We buy in bulk and we do make a small profit from it but that money goes straight back into the board's funds."
The primary school was one of the few schools in Whanganui that were entirely digital and therefore encouraged BYOD.
Ms O'Connor said every child at the school worked with either a Google Chrome book or a iPad and although it was all paid for by the school's board, parents who could afford it were encouraged to buy their own.
"Obviously the school supplies devices to those parents who can't afford it, but there are advantages to having your own."
She said those who had their own device could take it home at night, plus they weren't having to buy as much paper stationery.
"It's a huge financial commitment by the board because the Government doesn't fund us for it but we have found it has helped us to cut down on paper stationery costs.
"We still have a very basic list that all up ranges between $13 to $35, depending on the age level and there is also a flat $5 annual charge per child to cover the apps and programmes but overall going digital has been more cost effective."
For secondary schools in Whanganui BYOD has become increasingly popular.
For all Year 9 students attending Whanganui High School BYOD has been made compulsory and with strict requirements.
The devices need to be a minimum of a 10" screen with a full keyboard.
For Wanganui Collegiate School BYOD is classed "highly recommended".
Wanganui Collegiate School communications manager Lindsey Robinson said most students already had their own digital devices so it made sense to use them as a learning tool.
"The school introduced a new initiative this year to license the software for students in the multimedia and art classes."
Wanganui Girls College has taken a similar approach. Principal Tania King said the girls were encouraged to bring their own device if they have one but there was no expectation that parents have to provide them.
"If students don't have the gear then we have surplus and we make sure that no student goes without stationery."
Despite the communal tissues, whiteboard markers and electronics, there were still some schools that were keeping to bare minimum.
Wanganui Intermediate School (WIS) principal Charles Oliver said its list was very basic because it knew know how much of a strain it can put on the parents.
"The only electronic we have on our list is a calculator and we make a note not to buy an expensive one, we also encourage students to reuse stationery from last year to save money."
Mr Oliver said WIS did not sell the stationery itself because "Warehouse Stationery sells it all really cheap at this time of year".
"Any kid that has no stationery, we have supplies for them."
The Education Minister has indicated an extra $150 per student would be granted to the school each year if the school agreed to not ask for parental donations, if passed in the 2018 Budget.